Motion Compensated Integration for Infrared Sensor Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging and tracking systems, particularly electro-optical sensors with telescopes and focal plane arrays, face challenges in suppressing fixed pattern noise and optical distortion, leading to increased noise levels and reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), especially when used on moving platforms.
Innovation Solution
A motion compensated integration (MCI) system that includes an optical sensor with a focal plane array and a processor for simultaneous correction of optical distortion and re-registration, using bi-linear interpolation and infinite impulse response filtering to enhance SNR, while also performing sub-pixel shifting and fixed pattern noise estimation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate processes are used to correct optical distortion and perform motion compensated integration, then each problem can be addressed individually, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases due to increased random noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical distortion correction and motion compensated integration re-registration into a single simultaneous process. The processor performs both corrections together using a unified algorithm that applies bi-linear interpolation to resample the focal plane array data once, rather than performing separate resampling operations. This merging eliminates the compounding of random noise that occurs when multiple separate processing steps are applied sequentially, while still achieving accurate correction of both optical distortion and motion effects.
2Reliability
If multiple separate corrections are applied to the focal plane array data, then comprehensive problem solving is achieved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical distortion correction and motion compensated integration into a single processing step that performs both functions simultaneously. The processor uses a unified resampling operation with bi-linear interpolation that corrects for both optical distortion and platform motion in one pass, reducing the number of processing steps from multiple sequential operations to a single integrated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing algorithm is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it corrects optical distortion, compensates for platform motion, and maintains signal-to-noise ratio all in one operation. The unified correction process handles both geometric distortion and motion artifacts through a single multi-functional processing pipeline.
3Reliability
If calibration is performed prior to use, then fixed pattern noise can be suppressed, but the system cannot be used in moment's notice when calibration is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fixed pattern noise estimation and correction as a preliminary step that is integrated into the real-time processing pipeline. Rather than requiring a separate calibration phase before operation, the system estimates fixed pattern noise from the incoming focal plane array data and applies correction simultaneously with the optical distortion and motion corrections, enabling the system to be operational immediately without a separate calibration step.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The MCI system significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio by combining optical distortion correction and motion compensated integration re-registration into a single process, reducing noise and increasing detection accuracy, as demonstrated by computer simulations.
Implementation Method 1
The focal plane array may be configured to detect infrared wavelengths focused through the set of optics
Implementation Method 2
The focal plane array may be configured to detect infrared wavelengths focused through the set of optics, and generate focal plane array data
Data Source
AI summary
A motion compensated integration (MCI) system is disclosed. The MCI system may include a moveable platform, an optical sensor mounted to the moveable platform, an optical sensor line-of-sight measuring device configured to generate optical sensor line-of-sight movement data, and a processor in communication with the optical sensor and the optical sensor line-of-sight measuring device. The optical sensor may include a set of optics, and a focal plane array. The focal plane array may be configured to detect infrared wavelengths focused through the set of optics, and generate focal plane array data. The processor may be configured to simultaneously correct optical distortion from the set of optics and perform MCI re-registration based on the focal plane array data and the optical sensor line-of-sight movement data.